Ritz to present hilarious musical, 'Monty Phthon's Spamalot

View full size'Monty Python's Spamalot' is playing at the Ritz Theatre in Haddon Township. The hilarious musical, based on 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail,' runs through Nov. 20.

Mike Angelini is having so much fun on the job these days — he’s dancing, acting a little silly and even “dressing like a woman at times.”

As a part of the ensemble in “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” at the Ritz Theater in Haddon Township through Nov. 20, Angelini, of West Deptford, gets to do a lot of silly things.

“It’s probably one of the funniest shows ever made,” said Angelini, a pre-school teacher’s aide by day. “You don’t stop laughing ... audiences will literally start laughing at the beginning and you just don’t stop until the end.”

The musical, based on the popular film, “Monty Python and Holy Grail,” follows King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table as they go on a hilarious quest for the sacred cup.

Monty Python was actually a comedy troupe consisting of six British comedians — John Cleese, Michael Palin, Graham Chapman, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam and Eric Idle — who starred in a sketch comedy TV show called “Monty Python’s Flying Circus.” The six men wrote the screenplay for “Spamalot,” which eventually won three Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

“It’s so much fun to do and out of control at times,” Angelini said. “It’s a show I always wanted to do ever since I saw it on Broadway. It’s one of my favorites. So when I saw the Ritz was doing it, I said, ‘Oh my God, this is perfect.’ I immediately decided to audition for a part.”

Angelini, a 2006 graduate of West Deptford High School, was drawn to the theater world when his mom thought it would help him get over his childhood shyness.

“I started acting when I was in the second grade as an after-school activity. When I was a senior in high school, the director for my high school musical told me about the Ritz and said I should audition for a show there.”

His relationship with the theater began with a part in “Seussical,” and continues to this day.

“I fell in love with the theater and just kind of stayed,” he said.

He has been introduced to all sorts of shows and fun characters at the Ritz. The young actor has been in every Ritz production for the past four years, including “Kiss Me Kate,” “A Midsummer Night’s Musical,” “A Chorus Line,” “Footloose” and most recently, “The Producers.”

There are so many reasons to love “Spamalot,” Angelini’s latest Ritz show, but the fun, colorful costumes are definitely a big part of the show’s appeal, he said. It’s a musical where Vegas showgirls and medieval knights simultaneously strut around on stage.

“The Lady of the Lake is dressed like Cher for a scene,” he said with a laugh.

Angelini and another cast member also get to demonstrate their gymnastic skills in this show.

“We’re dancing to ‘Cher’ singing and end up doing a double cartwheel ... we keep going over each other across the stage,” he said. “The choreography is brilliant. It’s so exhilarating and fun.”

The Ritz Theatre is the first regional theater to present “Spamalot.” Directed by the theater’s artistic producing director, Bruce A. Curless, Angelini didn’t know how the Ritz got the rights to the show, but said he “believes in the power” of their fearless leader.

“Bruce works magic. He puts out gold every time. I have so much faith in him,” he said.

The show will also be ASL Shadow interpreted at special performances throughout its run. During these performances, costumed American Sign Language interpreters will take the stage alongside cast members and “shadow” their actions on stage. Audiences will be able to watch the show and the interpreters at the same time.

If you go: “Monty Python’s Spamalot” is playing at the Ritz Theatre Company’s stage, 915 White Horse Pike, Haddon Township, through Nov. 20. Tickets are $17 to $30. For tickets call, (856) 858-5230 or visit, www.ritztheatreco.org. The ASL student matinee performance will be on Nov. 9 at 10 a.m. ASL performances will take place on Nov. 13 and 14 at 7 p.m.